• Moliere
    5.8k
    What I felt may have 'gone wrong' a little was a lack of 'fun' element, which was present in the short story competitions. I wonder if it was because there was not a competition, or whether the word 'essay' makes the writing seem too serious and reminiscent of school essays.Jack Cummins

    I could have done a better job here. And truthfully my hope is someone else takes the spot of coordinator for next year -- I'd like to participate next time!
  • RussellA
    2.2k
    I'd like to participate next time!Moliere

    "My hope was to elicit both kinds of writing, at least, if with more effort than we usually put into OP's and responses."

    This challenge was a fantastic opportunity to learn and improve. I look forward to next year's Philosophical Writing Challenge. I have an idea for my topic. (edited)

    Philosophical Writing Challenge 2026

    Attempt one at 4)

    Perhaps Rule 4) should read "Must be philosophical writing. The Title and Topic are chosen by the author."

    4) is a rule rather than a guideline, as a guideline can be ignored.

    "Essay" has a specific meaning within philosophical writing.

    The expression "fall under the broad category" is redundant and slightly confusing. "Must fall under the broad category of philosophical writing" says no more than "Must be philosophical writing".

    This allows, as you say, "both kinds of writing".

    As Zachary Fruhling writes, philosophical writing includes the novel, the poetic, the aphoristic, the journal, the epistle, the dialogue, the letter, the philosophical essay, the exegesis, the compare and contrast, the blog, the treatise, etc.

    Attempt two at 4)

    However, this wording doesn't avoid the problem of Threads that ramble in all directions. As you say "more effort than we usually put into OP's and responses"

    The piece of philosophical writing must be a consistent piece of work. If it starts as a poem it shouldn't morph into a dialogue. If it purports to be a philosophical essay, it shouldn't leave out a thesis.

    Perhaps Rule 4) should read "Must be philosophical writing. The Title, Topic and Form are chosen by the author. There are many different forms of philosophical writing, including the poetic, aphoristic, essay, etc, but whichever form the author chooses, their writing must be consistent within their chosen form"

    These two sources may be useful

    1) The Royal Institute of Philosophy and its Think Essay Prize

    2) The John Locke Institute's Global Essay Prize and its questions for philosophy

    It is interesting that both these sources restrict their philosophical entry to philosophical essays, where philosophical essays have specific requirements.
  • Amity
    5.8k
    It is interesting that both these sources restrict their philosophical entry to philosophical essays, where philosophical essays have specific requirements.RussellA

    They are competitions.
  • Amity
    5.8k
    I could have done a better job here. And truthfully my hope is someone else takes the spot of coordinator for next year -- I'd like to participate next time!Moliere

    I think that we both did as well as we could for a pair of first-timers starting a new challenge for TPF.

    The OP and Guidelines can be changed, improved or whatever by whoever takes over.
    As in the Short Stories event, started by @Baden - it will evolve...

    The problem seems to lie with the word 'essay' or perhaps in 'philosophy'.
    Some take a narrow view of both. Some further clarification required.

    Overall, it is most satisfying to see that 13 authors submitted their work. Fortunately, they understood the philosophy underlying the event. The spirit, flexibility and diversity appreciated. :sparkle: :flower:
  • RussellA
    2.2k
    The problem seems to lie with the word 'essay' or perhaps in 'philosophy'.
    Some take a narrow view of both. Some further clarification required.
    Amity

    From page 1 of this Thread:

  • Amity
    5.8k
    From page 1 of this Thread:RussellA

    Yes. What is your point?
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